Bonnie M. Schmitz
January 16, 2014
Bonnie Marcella Schmitz, age 84, died at home on January 16, 2014. Bonnie was born on February 16, 1929 to Josephine Bell Havenhill Lemon and Thomas Bert Lemon in Mason City, Iowa.
She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Kenneth Wilden Schmitz of Murray, Iowa; daughters, Trudy Field of Des Moines, Janet (Alan) Wildrick of Bondurant, Becky (Jerry) Olson of Murray, and Babby Schmitz of Bondurant; 8 grandchildren, Scott Field of Des Moines, Shawn Field of Des Moines, Kim (Jeff) Tucker of Bondurant, Stacy Wildrick (Bill) Beukema of Clive, Kristin Peters of Bondurant, Jennifer (Michael) Westlake of Des Moines, Jacob (Rose) Olson of Thayer, Iowa, and Whitney (Ian) Tibboel of Bondurant; 9 great-grandchildren; close friends, Alice Feuerhelm and Jeannie Howard, as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, 7 brothers and sisters; 2 great-grandsons, Damon Olson and Jared Peters; and her lifelong friend, Ann Peterson of Mason City, Iowa.
The family would like to thank Dr. Steven Elg, as well as nurses Kathy Korinko and Ruth Payan for their loving care of Bonnie during her illness. They also want to thank the doctors and staff at John Stoddard Cancer Center and the Greater Regional Hospice of Creston for their support and care of Bonnie and her family.
Bonnie had a strong faith in God, and it was this faith that sustained her through the ups and downs of her life. She was active in social and political groups earlier in her life, but it was the love of her life, Kenneth, and her family that was her biggest joy in her later years. She loved nothing more than going to family outings, meeting for lunch, or just having family around the table to talk, laugh and play games. She will be remembered for her love, joy and positive outlook on life.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2014, at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW in Altoona, with burial to follow at Bondurant Cemetery. The family will greet friends Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m., at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Bonnie.
Condolences for the family may be offered online at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Kenny and Mary Seales
01/21/2014
To Trudy and Becky and your families, we send our sincere sympathy from your "south of Thayer" friends at the loss of your mom and grandmother. Trudy, I didn't have an address for you so am sending our regards this way.
It has been years since I last saw your mom, but do remember her big smile. Your whole family will have many wonderful memories to hold in your hearts even as you miss her.
Mike Schmitz
01/21/2014
My heartfelt condolences to 'all' of Bonnie's family. She had a special place in my heart to, as when we were growing up, our family's shared not just the exchanging of Xmas presents, but every day's moments of thoughts, words, smiles and hugs that she so readily gave to everyone around her. And so, those occasions stuck with me. So, thank you Bonnie for lessons learned. You are missed.
I will be unable to attend the funeral, but please know my thoughts are there.
Coralee & jim
01/19/2014
To Kenneth & family
So sorry for your loss. We will always remember her hugs & smiles.. She was a joy to our Schmitz family!!!
Love , Jim , Coralee & familys
Mark Lemon
01/18/2014
Schmitz Family and Loved Ones,
My deepest condolences on your loss of Aunt Bonnie. Her sunny personality and generous nature were a gift.
"to live in hearts that remain is not to die".
-Thomas Campbell-